IdledNova Chemicals

POTTER TWP. — Production at the Nova Chemicals Corp. plant in Potter Township will be shut down for at least a month, putting 130 people out of work.

Greg Wilkinson, vice president of public affairs for Nova Chemicals, said workers were notified Friday that production would be halted early next month.

Wilkinson said none of the workers would be receiving any pay from the company while they’re laid off, but they could receive unemployment benefits if they’re eligible.

Nova Chemicals makes and markets plastics and chemicals.

Wilkinson said the plant’s products are used in various applications, including insulation for building construction, instrument panels in vehicles and packaging for durable goods.

As the construction industry and auto sales lag, Wilkinson said, so do orders for Nova Chemicals.

In a news release, company official Robert Snyder said he expects the plant to be restarted at some point, but “only when we see significantly stronger demand and improving margins.”

In all, Wilkinson said, the plant employs 320 people.

Scientists and technicians who are researching and developing products, along with other staff, will continue working, Wilkinson said. A limited number of employees also will remain to maintain plant equipment while the plant is in idle mode.

Nova Chemicals has been struggling in western Pennsylvania in recent years.

In 2006, the company said it had 400 people employed in Potter Township and 350 at its Moon Township headquarters. That same year, the company announced it would cut 250 jobs, including “substantial” cuts at the Moon Township headquarters.